America's First Thanksgiving in Virginia
Introduction to Virginia's History
Virginia's extensive history from pre-colonial to modern times showcases a plethora of key events spanning various eras:
Captain John Smith: His endeavors in the early 17th century include significant works such as A Map of Virginia (1612), which played a crucial role in documenting the land and its resources.
Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia laid foundational thoughts on government and society in the fledgling nation, reflecting the values of the Enlightenment.
Writers' Program of the WPA (1940): This guide emphasized Virginia’s pivotal moments in American history, from its involvement in the revolution to its role in the formation of the United States.
VA250: Organizations like VA250 are dedicated to celebrating Virginia's historical significance through events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, enhancing public engagement with the state's heritage.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture: This institution provides curated exhibitions and educational programs that foster a deeper understanding of Virginia’s complex past, showcasing artifacts and narratives that highlight the state’s role in national history.
The Claim to America's First Thanksgiving
A surprising yet profound fact is that America’s first Thanksgiving took place in Virginia, not the traditionally recognized site in Massachusetts, marking the 405th anniversary of the first celebration in 2024. This event is pivotal in American historical discourse as it repositions Virginia in the narrative of national thanksgiving traditions.
Virginia Thanksgiving Festival (Established in 1958): This festival commemorates the first Thanksgiving in Virginia since 1962, aiming to educate schoolchildren and the general public about the Commonwealth's historical importance and its rich cultural heritage.
Media Coverage: Previous features in prominent media outlets like the Washington Post and Washingtonian have shed light on Virginia's oft-overlooked Thanksgiving legacy, helping to elevate public awareness of its historical significance.
The Voyage of the Margaret
Historical Context
Date: On September 16, 1619, the ship Margaret set sail from Bristol, England, carrying:
35 settlers, representing early efforts at colonization
Crew and assistants led by Captain John Woodlief, a survivor of the hardships faced at Jamestown.
Mission: Their mission involved settling land granted by the Berkeley Company along the fertile banks of the James River, supporting the ongoing colonial expansion.
Arrival: The ship reached the Chesapeake Bay by late November 1619, anchoring at Berkeley Hundred on December 4, 1619.
The Celebration
Upon their arrival, under Captain Woodlief’s guidance, the settlers knelt to pray, thereby establishing a ritual of Thanksgiving as per the instructions from the London Company. This first Thanksgiving comprised:
A solemn gathering of gratitude rather than a festive banquet, featuring prayer and a modest meal, distinguishing it from later extravagant feasts celebrated in Massachusetts.
This seminal event transpired 1 year and 17 days before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts and nearly 2 years prior to their famous three-day harvest feast, illustrating that the roots of Thanksgiving stretch far beyond common narratives.
Unlike the Pilgrims' celebrations, which lacked regular commemoration and were not strictly religious, the Virginia event emphasized a moment of serious devotion and reflection.
The Fate of the Berkeley Colony
Tragic Decline
The Berkeley colony faced considerable adversity, ultimately leading to its abandonment:
On March 22, 1622, a major Powhatan attack resulted in the massacre of 347 settlers, marking a tragic chapter in the colony’s history.
After this incident, the history of Berkeley Hundred lay forgotten for over 300 years until it was rediscovered in 1931 by Professor Lyon G. Tyler, igniting interest in the colony's legacy.
Commemoration and Modern Recognition
In 1958, Malcolm Jamieson spearheaded an initiative to invite descendants of the Woodlief family to commemorate their ancestor’s critical role in the first Thanksgiving, bringing closure to a long-neglected narrative.
The Virginia Thanksgiving Festival, inaugurated in 1962, now celebrates this historical legacy annually on the first Sunday of November, fostering a sense of community and remembrance of Virginia's Thanksgiving roots.
Conclusion
Reflecting on Heritage
The author expresses a profound commitment to engaging with future festivals and honoring the legacy of the Margaret and its settlers, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in maintaining historical consciousness. Moreover:
On November 26, 1789, George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving, marking an early acknowledgment of Thanksgiving as a national observance and recognizing the acts of gratitude in American culture.
The narrative serves as a celebration of the adventurous spirit of those who crossed the ocean in search of faith, new beginnings, and opportunities, shaping the foundational stories of the nation.
